BONFIRE Night celebrations across South Cheshire went with a spectacular but peaceful bang.

Police have praised the public's response to their appeals for a calm and trouble-free weekend.

Chief Inspector Peter Crowcroft, police operations manager for the area, said: 'We had a few incidents of youngsters throwing fireworks on car parks and into people's gardens and we were able to respond to those calls quickly.

'In a few cases, officers issued fixed penalty notices for incidents of disorder, but it wasn't necessary to arrest anyone.

'The accent was on keeping things calm and preventing trouble developing and we were able to achieve that.

'On the run-up to Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night we had appealed to people to behave sensibly and warned that we would deal firmly with anyone who caused trouble. I think most people took that on board.

'The lack of problems was particularly pleasing this year when the Bonfire Night fell at a weekend, so the celebrations were spread over Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

'It was important not to lose sight of the fact that this a time when families can go out and have some fun together. 'Officers who went to the organised fireworks displays joined in the spirit of the thing, and we've had quite a few compliments on the fact that they helped to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.' * The 47th annual Bonfire Night celebrations on the Queen's Park in Crewe were a blazing success on Saturday.

Organised by the Crewe and Nantwich Lions, both the bonfire and firework displays went without a single hitch, injury or incident being reported.

The £7,000 firework display, overseen by international experts Merlin Fireworks and set to the sound of rock band Queen, captivated the 6,000 strong crowd.

Lions treasurer and fundraising chairman Derek Morgan said: 'It was an excellent evening and we are delighted to say that there were absolutely no problems.

'We expect that around £8,000 profit has been raised from the event, which will soon be donated to a number of local and national charities.'

* The Audlem Special Events Team's (ASET) celebrations at the village playing field on Saturday, attracted a record-breaking crowd of 2,500. The event passed without incident as onlookers enjoyed the traditional blazing bonfire and fantastic fireworks display, overseen by Nemesis Fireworks representative Len Ford.

* The Sandbach Lion's firework dis-play and bonfire on Saturday, at Sand-bach Park, was a 'fantastic evening' according to Lions spokesman Paul Hebden. There were no hitches as more than 2,000 people watched the 20ft guy being burnt and a spectacular display by Pains Fireworks.

* The Peacock Hotel in Crewe Road, Willaston, attracted a crowd of more than 1,500 to its bonfire and fireworks display on Friday evening. Despite the cold, visitors enjoyed the fairground rides and various food and drink stalls before the sky was lit up by Nemesis Fireworks.